PROFESSIONAL WRESTLER "BARON MICHELE LEON" PLASTER STATUE.
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Winning Bid:
$158.12
(Includes 15% Buyer's Premium)
Bidding Ended:
Tuesday, July 12, 2016 10:00:00 PM (20 Minute Clock Begins At Tuesday, July 12, 2016 10:00:00 PM)
Item Description
10.5"tall painted plaster statue depicts famed Southern California professional wrestler Baron Michele Leone, his name incised on front of base. 1950s. Born June 8, 1909 in Italy, he began wrestling at an early age. Traveling to South America to wrestle during the 1930s, Leone came to the US in 1938, and on June 28, Leone wrestled in his first known American main event, wrestling Dr. John (Dropkick) Murphy at the Fort Hamilton Arena. Leone would move up and down the card several times throughout the next couple of years before making the Washington, DC area his home in 1940. During World War II he used his Italian roots to play the heel, and on Oct. 1949 Leone would come to Los Angeles, where he would find his greatest success, taking the name Baron Michele Leone. On Nov. 22, 1950 he would meet Enrique Torres and win the Olympic world title, which he would hold for four years. He would later hold the Pacific Coast heavyweight title and the NWA World junior heavyweight title. In 1955 Leone with his wife, decided to move back to Italy and he retired from wrestling. Moving back to the US, Leone was killed when he was struck by a car in 1988. Statue depicts the hairy-chested Italian w/his trademark long hair and mustache. Neatly done repair at ankles is only visible upon close inspection. Displays Exc. Scarce and esoteric piece of sports memorabilia from the early days of professional wrestling. Eric Renner Collection.
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